Early Postoperative Hemorrhage After Open and Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

Background  Early postoperative hemorrhage is an infrequent complication of both laparoscopic and open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). The objective of our study is to review the incidence and management of this complication and identify contributing clinical and technical risk factors. Methods  Over a 3-year period, 1,025 patients underwent RYGBP at our institution. The medical records of patients who required postoperative blood transfusions were reviewed for clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation and management. These patients were matched for surgical approach (open vs. laparoscopic) in a 1:3 ratio and compared to a random group of patients who underwent RYGBP during the same time period. Results  Thirty-three patients (3.2%) were diagnosed with postoperative hemorrhage, 17 (51.5%) of which were intraluminal. The incidence of hemorrhage was higher in the laparoscopic group (5.1% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.02). Comparing bleeders to nonbleeders, the average BMI, gender distribution, gastro-jejunostomy anastomotic technique (stapled vs. hand sewn) and the postoperative administration of ketorolac were not significantly different. The bleeding group was older (47.5 vs. 42.8, p = 0.02), had a longer hospital stay (4.9 vs. 3 days, p = 0.0001) and was more likely to have received low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) preoperatively (p = 0.03). Hemorrhage occurred earlier (13.8 vs. 25.9 h, p = 0.039) and was more severe (4.1 vs. 2.3 transfused blood units, p = 0.007) in the patients who required surgical reexploration (n = 9). Conclusions  A laparoscopic approach and the preoperative administration of LMWH may increase the incidence of early hemorrhage after RYGBP. This complication frequently requires surgical reexploration and significantly prolongs the hospital stay. Oral presentation and 1st prize winner, Bariatric surgery competition, CTACS meeting, November 2006. Poster presentation at the New England Surgical Society meeting, September 2007.     

Laparoscopic and Open Distal Pancreatic Resection for Benign Pancreatic Disease

The aim of the study is to provide comparisons of the perioperative outcomes between open and laparoscopic distal pancreatic resection (DPR) for benign pancreatic disease. From 2002 and 2005, there were 28 patients (16 open, 12 laparoscopic) with a mean age of 52 who had presumptive diagnoses of benign pancreatic lesions. Pathology was neuroendocrine tumor (nine and five), mucinous cystic neoplasm (three and three), symptomatic pancreatic pseudocyst (two and two), and others (two and two). The mean operative time was 278 vs 212 min (p = 0.05), the estimated blood lost was 609 vs 193 ml (p = 0.01), and the success rate of preoperative intent for splenic preservation was 17 vs 62% (p = 0.08) in the open and laparoscopic groups, respectively. Two patients (16%) were converted to an open procedure. There was no perioperative mortality. The mean hospital stay and total perioperative morbidity were 10.6 vs 6.2 days (p = 0.001) and nine vs two events (p = 0.03) in the open and laparoscopic groups, respectively. Ten of 12 patients (83%) with laparoscopic DPR had adequate oral intake within 72 h post operatively in contrast to 2 of 16 (12.5%) patients in the open DPR group (p = 0.0001). Laparoscopic DPR is technically feasible, safe, and associated with less perioperative morbidity and a shorter hospital stay than open DPR. In centers with the appropriate expertise, laparoscopic DPR should be considered the procedure of choice for putative benign lesions of the pancreatic body and tail. Presented at the AHPBA Spring Meeting, Miami Beach, FL March 9–12, 2006 (oral presentation)     

Bariatric Surgery Outcomes in Morbidly Obese with the Metabolic Syndrome at US Academic Centers

Background  The metabolic syndrome is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We assessed the in-hospital outcomes of bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients with the metabolic syndrome in comparison to a control group without the metabolic syndrome. Methods  Using ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes, clinical data for 20,242 patients with and without the metabolic syndrome who underwent bariatric surgery over a 5-year period were obtained from the University HealthSystem Consortium database. Results  The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among bariatric surgery patients was 27.4%. Patients with the metabolic syndrome presented significantly higher overall morbidity as compared to morbidly obese patients without the metabolic syndrome (8.6% vs. 5.8%; p < 0.01), and similar mortality (0.04% vs. 0.01%; p = 0.2) after bariatric surgery. Hispanics with the metabolic syndrome had the highest morbidity rates, and men had the uppermost mortality. In-hospital bariatric surgery outcomes were significantly improved among patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Conclusions  The data suggest that the presence of the metabolic syndrome affects inter-ethnic and gender-specific short-term outcomes after bariatric surgery.     

Revisional vs. Primary Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass—a Case-matched Analysis

With the increase in bariatric procedures performed, revisional surgery is now required more frequently. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered to be the gold standard revision procedure. However, data comparing revisional vs. primary RYGB is scarce, and no study has compared non-resectional primary and revisional RYGB in a matched control setting. Analysis of 61 revisional RYGB that were matched one to one with 61 primary RYGB was done. Matching criteria were preoperative body mass index, age, gender, comorbidities and choice of technique (laparoscopic vs. open). After matching, the groups did not differ significantly. Previous bariatric procedures were 13 gastric bands, 36 vertical banded gastroplasties, 10 RYGB and two sleeve gastrectomies. The indication for revisional surgery was insufficient weight loss in 55 and reflux in 6. Intraoperative and surgical morbidity was not different, but medical morbidity was significantly higher in revisional procedures (9.8% vs. 0%, p = 0.031). Patients undergoing revisional RYGB lost less weight in the first two postoperative years compared with patients with primary RYGB (1 month, 14.9% vs. 29.7%, p = 0.004; 3 months, 27.4% vs. 51.9%, p = 0.002; 6 months, 39.4 vs. 70.4%, p < 0.001; 12 months, 58.5% vs. 85.9%, p < 0.001; 24 months, 60.7% vs. 90.0%, p = 0.003). Although revisional RYGB is safe and effective, excess weight loss after revisional RYGB is significantly less than following primary RYGB surgery. Weight loss plateaus after 12 months follow-up.     

Laparoscopic Restorative Proctocolectomy with Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis: A Comparative Observational Study on Long-term Functional Results

Purpose  Long-term results after laparoscopic ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) have not been thoroughly evaluated. Our study prospectively compares short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and open IPAA. Methods  Between October 2002 and November 2007, 73 laparoscopic and 106 open IPAA patients were enrolled. Patient- and disease-specific characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes were prospectively collected. Results  There were no differences in demographics, treatment, indication, duration of surgery, and diversion between groups. Laparoscopic patients had faster return of flatus (p = 0.008), faster assumption of a liquid diet (p < 0.001), and less blood loss (p = 0.026). While complications were similar, the incidence of incisional hernias was lower in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.011). Mean follow-up was 24.8 months. Average number of bowel movements was 6.8 ± 2.8/day for laparoscopy and 6.3 ± 1.7 for open (p = 0.058). Overall, 68.4% of patients were fully continent at 1 year, up to 83.7% long term without differences between groups. Other indicators of defecatory function and quality of life remain similar overtime. Conclusions  Laparoscopic IPAA confers excellent functional results. Most patients are fully continent and have an average of six bowel movements/day. When present, minor incontinence improves over time. Laparoscopy mirrors the results of open IPAA and is a valuable alternative to open surgery. This study was funded in part by the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation (UCCRF) Auxiliary Board Research Support Grant (A.F.). Presented at the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Tripartite Meeting. Boston. June 9, 2008.     

Laparoscopic Versus Open Ileo-Colonic Resection in Crohn’s Disease: Short- and Long-Term Results from a Prospective Longitudinal Study

Possible relations between surgical approaches, frequency, and severity of Crohn’s disease recurrence after ileo-colonic resection is unknown. We aimed to assess perioperative outcomes and postsurgical complications of laparoscopic versus standard open surgery and to detect differences between the two groups in endoscopical recurrence and patients’ satisfaction. Twenty-eight consecutive patients undergoing elective ileo-colonic resection by either laparoscopic approach (n = 15) or conventional open surgery (n = 13) were prospectively enrolled. No mortality or major intraoperative complications were observed in both groups. Significant differences between groups were the median operating time found shorter in the open group than in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.003), the higher dosage of pain killers needed in the open group (p = 0.05), the passage of flatus and\or stool after surgery found faster in group A (p = 0.004) and the shorter recovery period in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.007). Colonoscopy was performed in 27 patients. The frequency and pattern of recurrence did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.63). Patients’ satisfaction was significantly in favor of laparoscopy. Present findings support the feasibility and advantages in the short-term of laparoscopic ileo-colonic resection in patients with Crohn’s disease. No differences were observed in terms of frequency, time of onset, and severity of recurrence in a 1-year follow-up.     

Effect of Location and Speed of Diagnosis on Anastomotic Leak Outcomes in 3828 Gastric Bypass Cases

Introduction Leaks after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are a major cause of mortality. This study attempts to define the relationship between the leak site, time from surgery to detection, and outcome. Methods Retrospective review of 3,828 gastric bypass procedures. Results Of the leaks (3.9% overall), 60/2,337 (2.6%) occurred after open gastric bypass, 57/1,080 (5.2%) after laparoscopic gastric bypass, and 33/411 (8.0%) after revisions. Overall leak-related mortality after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was 0.6% (22/3,828). Mortality rate from gastrojejunostomy leaks (38 in the open gastric bypass, and 43 in the laparoscopic) was higher in the open group than the laparoscopic group (18.4 vs 2.3%, p = 0.015). Median time of detection for a gastrojejunostomy leak in the open group was longer than in the laparoscopic group (3 vs 1 days, Wilcoxon score p < 0.001). Jejunojejunostomy (JJ) leak was associated with a 40% mortality rate. Initial upper gastrointestinal series did not detect 9/10 jejunojejunostomy leaks. Median detection time was longer in the jejunojejunostomy leak group than the gastrojejunostomy leak group (4 vs 2 days, p = 0.037). Discussion Leak mortality and time of detection was higher after open gastric bypass than laparoscopic gastric bypass. GBP patients with normal upper gastrointestinal (UGI) studies may harbor leaks, especially at the JJ or excluded stomach. Normal UGI findings should not delay therapy if clinical signs suggest a leak. This paper was presented at The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, 47th Annual Meeting at Digestive Disease Week 2006, May 20–24, 2006, Los Angeles, California.     

Perioperative Treatment with Infliximab in Patients with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis is Not Associated with an Increased Rate of Postoperative Complications

Purpose  The impact of infliximab (IFX) on postoperative complications in surgical patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is unclear. We examined a large patient cohort to clarify whether a relationship exists between IFX and postoperative complications. Methods  A total of 413 consecutive patients—188 (45.5%) with suspected CD, 156 (37.8%) with UC, and 69 (16.7%) with indeterminate colitis—underwent abdominal surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital between January 1993 and June 2007. One hundred one (24.5%) had received preoperative IFX ≤ 12 weeks before surgery. These patients were compared to those who did not receive IFX with respect to demographics, comorbidities, presence of preoperative infections, steroid use, and nutritional status. We then compared the cumulative rate of complications for each group, which included deaths, anastomotic leak, infection, thrombotic complications, prolonged ileus/small bowel obstruction, cardiac, and hepatorenal complications. Potential risk factors for infectious complications including preexisting infection, pathological diagnosis, and steroid or IFX exposure were further evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results  Patients were similar with respect to gender (IFX = 40.6% men vs. non-IFX = 51.9%, p = 0.06), age (36.1 years vs.37.8, p = 0.43), Charlson Comorbidity Index (5.3 vs. 5.7, p = 0.25), concomitant steroids (75.3% vs. 76.9%, p = 0.79), preoperative albumin level (3.3 vs. 3.2, p = 0.36), and rate of emergent surgery (3.0% vs. 3.5%, p = 1.00). IFX patients had higher rates of CD (56.4% vs. 41.9%, p = 0.02), concomitant azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine use (34.6% vs. 16.6%, p < 0.0001), and lower rates of intra-abdominal abscess (3.9% vs. 11%, p < 0.05). After surgery, the two groups had similar rates of death (2% vs. 0.3% p = 0.09), anastomotic leak (3.0% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.97), cumulative infections (5.97% vs. 10.1%, p = 1), thrombotic complications (3.6% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.06), prolonged ileus/small bowel obstructions (3.9 vs. 2.8, p = 0.59), cardiac complications (1% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.42), and hepatic or renal complications (1.0 vs. 0.6% p = 0.72). A logistic regression model was then created to assess the impact of IFX, as well as other potential risk factors, on the rates of cumulative postoperative infections. We found that steroids (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2, p = 0.74), IFX (OR 2.5, p = 0.14), preoperative diagnosis of CD (OR = 0.7, p = 0.63) or UC (OR = 0.6, p = 0.48), and preoperative infection (OR = 1.2, p = 0.76) did not affect rates of clinically important postoperative infections. Conclusions  Preoperative IFX was not associated with an increased rate of cumulative postoperative complications. Dr. Sands has received research grants and honoraria for lecturing and consulting from Centocor.     

Impact on laboratory training in subsequent performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-lasting influence of laparoscopic training during residency course on outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Materials and methods  We compared outcomes of LC in patients treated by surgeons who have learned LC by the traditional surgical residency program (traditional group; n = 15) with those of LC operated on by surgeons who received additional intensive laboratory training in their residency [Jikei Surgical Skill Training Program (JSTP) group; n = 9]. Results  Among the 503 patients subjected to LC, 302 (60.0%) cases were performed by surgeons in the traditional group and 201 (40.0%) cases in the JSTP group. The patient characteristics, operative outcome variables, and the pathological findings of the gallbladder were comparable in the two groups. Despite no difference in the above factors, conversion rates were significantly higher in the traditional group compared with the JSTP group (10.6% vs 5.0%; p = 0.026). In multivariate analysis, training background was an independent risk factor for conversion to open surgery (odds ratio, 2.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–6.24). Conclusions  To ensure competence for laparoscopic skills, we propose that such training program should be integrated into the curriculum of the general surgery residency.     

Traditional Versus Single-site Placement of Adjustable Gastric Banding: A Comparative Study and Cost Analysis

In bariatric surgery, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) has proven effective in reducing weight and improving obesity-associated comorbidities. Recently, however, laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery has been proposed to minimize the invasiveness of laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study is to compare the operative cost and peri-operative outcomes of these two approaches. We undertook a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing either LAGB or LESS between March 2006 and October 2009. The outcomes and cost of 25 LESS gastric bandings were compared to 121 standard LAGB. Costs included operative time, consumables, and laparoscopic tower depreciation. Both groups had similar patient demographics, body mass index, and comorbidities; with the exception of age (37 year for single site vs. 44 years for standard; P = 0.002). There were no statistical differences for operative time (78 vs. 76 min, P = 0.69), blood loss (8.4 vs. 9 ml, P = 0.76), pain score (0.81 vs. 0.84 at 1 week, P = 0.95) or complication rates (12% vs. 14%, P = 1). Length of stay was shorter for the LESS group (0.5 day vs. 1.5 days, P = 0.02). The mean operative cost for the LESS banding was 20,502/case vs.20,502/case vs. 20,346/case for the standard LAGB, with no statistically significant difference between the approaches (P = 0.73). Operative costs and peri-operative outcomes of LESS gastric banding are comparable with those of the standard LAGB procedure. As a result, single-site surgery can be proposed as a valid alternative to the standard procedure with cosmetic advantage and comparable complication rate.     

Laparoscopic Surgery for Patients with Crohn’s Colitis: A Case-matched Study

Introduction The purpose of this study was to compare short and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic colectomy with open colectomy in patients with Crohn’s disease confined to the colon. Materials and Methods We reviewed all patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy for Crohn’s disease at our institution between 1994 and 2005. Laparoscopic colectomies were matched to open colectomies by patient age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, type, and year of surgery. We excluded patients with concomitant small bowel disease. Results Twenty-seven laparoscopic cases were matched with 27 open cases. There were seven conversions (26%). There was no mortality. Median operative times were significantly longer after laparoscopic colectomy (240 vs 150 min, P < 0.01), and estimated blood loss was comparable (325 vs 350 ml, P = 0.4). Postoperative complications were similar. Laparoscopic colectomies had shorter median length of stay (5 vs 6 days, P = 0.07) and median time to first bowel movement (3 vs 4 days, P = 0.4). When overall length of stay included 30-day readmissions, the difference in favor of laparoscopy became statistically significant (P = 0.02). Recurrent disease requiring surgery was decreased after laparoscopy, although median follow-up was significantly shorter. Conclusion Laparoscopic colectomy is a safe and acceptable option for patients with Crohn’s colitis. Longer follow-up is needed to accurately establish recurrence rates.     

National Trends and Outcomes for the Surgical Therapy of Ileocolonic Crohn’s Disease: A Population-Based Analysis of Laparoscopic vs. Open Approaches

Purpose  The laparoscopic approach to Crohn’s disease has demonstrated benefits in several small series. We sought to examine its use and outcomes on a national level. Methods  All admissions with a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease requiring bowel resection were selected from the 2000–2004 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Regression analyses were used to compare outcome measures and identify independent predictors of undergoing laparoscopy. Results  Of 396,911 patients admitted for Crohn’s disease, 49,609 (12%) required surgical treatment. They were predominately Caucasian (64%), female (54%), and with ileocolic disease (72%). Most had private insurance (71%) and had surgery in urban hospitals (91%). Laparoscopic resection was performed in 2,826 cases (6%) and was associated with lower complications (8% vs. 16%), shorter length of stay (6 vs. 9 days), lower charges ($27,575 vs. $38,713), and mortality (0.2% vs. 0.9%, all P < 0.01). Open surgery was used more often for fistulas (8% vs. 1%) and when ostomies were required (12% vs. 7%). Independent predictors of laparoscopic resection were age <35 [odds ratio (OR) = 2.4], female gender (OR = 1.4), admission to a teaching hospital (OR = 1.2), ileocecal location (OR = 1.5), and lower disease stage (OR = 1.1, all P < 0.05). Ethnic category, insurance status, and type of admission (elective vs. non-elective) were not associated with operative method (P > 0.05). Conclusions  A variety of patient- and system-related factors influence the utilization of laparoscopy in Crohn’s disease. Laparoscopic resection is associated with excellent short-term outcomes compared to open surgery. “The views expressed in the article (book, speech, etc.) are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense or the US Government.” “The investigators have adhered to the policies for protection of human subjects as prescribed in 45 CFR 46.”     

Use of Endoluminal Antireflux Therapies for Obese Patients with GERD

Background  Obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) refractory to medical therapy are a challenging patient population as obesity is a preoperative predictor of failure after antireflux surgery. We therefore sought to evaluate outcomes using one of two commercially available endoluminal therapies in this population. Methods  Consecutive obese patients (body mass index (BMI) > 30) with GERD (DeMeester >14.5) undergoing either Plicator (NDO) or Stretta (Curon) were identified in our single-institution prospective database. Outcomes assessed were: (1) failure rate (absolutely no symptomatic improvement after procedure and/or need for subsequent antireflux surgery), (2) postoperative vs. preoperative symptom (heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation, dysphagia, cough, hoarseness, and asthma) scores, and (3) proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) medication use. Results  Twenty-two patients each underwent an endoluminal therapy (ten Plicator patients and 12 Stretta patients) with mean follow-up of 1.5 years. There were no treatment-associated complications. Mean BMI was not different between Plicator and Stretta groups (39.6 vs. 38.6, respectively, p = 0.33). The failure rate for the entire cohort was 28% (10% Plicator vs. 42% Stretta, p = 0.11). The proportion of patients reporting moderate/severe symptoms postop was significantly less than preop: chest pain 9% vs. 13% (p = 0.04), cough 22% vs. 36% preop (p = 0.025), voice changes 9% vs. 36% preop (p = 0.012), and dysphagia 9% vs. 32% preop (p = 0.04). The proportion of patients on PPI medications postop was also less than preop (45% vs. 81%, p = 0.1) Conclusion  Endoluminal treatment can provide a safe means of improving GERD symptoms for some obese patients, though many will continue to require medication therapy also. Further work aimed at understanding optimal candidates for endoluminal therapy in this patient population is warranted.     

Clinical and biochemical prediction of early fatal outcome following hip fracture in the elderly

Hip fracture, a moderate musculoskeletal trauma, is associated with a high postoperative mortality. Most patients are elderly, with comorbid conditions and often with heart disease. The objective of this study was to find out if clinical parameters and analyses of specific muscle enzymes could predict three month postoperative mortality. A total of 302 patients above 75 years of age with hip fracture were consecutively enrolled. Baseline information on age, sex and comorbidity assessed with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was obtained before surgery. Creatine kinase (CK), myocardium-specific creatine kinase (CK-MB) and troponin T (TnT) were analysed from venous blood, collected the day before surgery (−1) and postoperatively, within 24 hours (0) and on days one (+1) and four (+4). The overall three month mortality was 19.5%. Multivariate analyses showed that age, male sex and comorbidity (ASA) correlated with mortality (p = 0.027, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, respectively). Surgery induced a two- to threefold increase of CK and CK-MB but without any correlation with mortality. However, high TnT levels >0.04 μg/l correlated significantly with death (days −1, +1 and +4, p = 0.003, p = 0.005 and p = 0.003, respectively). Multivariate analyses, adjusted for age, sex and ASA category, confirmed this correlation (day +4, p = 0.008). Thus, in elderly patients with comorbidities undergoing hip fracture surgery information on sex, age, ASA category and postoperative laboratory analyses on TnT provide the clinicians with useful information on patients at risk of fatal outcome.     

Prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate “fast-track” elective open infrarenal aneurysm repair

Background and aims Fast-track programs have been introduced in many surgical fields to minimize postoperative morbidity and mortality. Morbidity after elective open infrarenal aneurysm repair is as high as 30%; mortality ranges up to 10%. In terms of open infrarenal aneurysm repair, no randomized controlled trials exist to introduce and evaluate such patient care programs. Materials and methods This study involved prospective randomization of 82 patients in a “traditional” and a “fast-track” treatment arm. Main differences consisted in preoperative bowel washout (none vs. 3 l cleaning solution) and analgesia (patient controlled analgesia vs. patient controlled epidural analgesia). Study endpoints were morbidity and mortality, need for postoperative mechanical ventilation, and length of stay (LOS) on intensive care unit (ICU). Results The need for assisted postoperative ventilation was significantly higher in the traditional group (33.3% vs. 5.4%; p = 0.011). Median LOS on ICU was shorter in the fast-track group, 41 vs. 20 h. The rate of postoperative medical complications was significantly lower in the fast-track group, 16.2% vs. 35.7% (p = 0.045). Conclusion We introduced and evaluated an optimized patient care program for patients undergoing open infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair which showed a significant advantage for “fast-track” patients in terms of postoperative morbidity. German Society of Surgery, Surgical Forum 2008, Best of Abstracts.     

Serum C-Reactive Protein and White Blood Cell Count in Morbidly Obese Surgical Patients

Background  Obesity has been widely recognized as a chronic inflammatory condition and associated with elevated inflammatory indicators including C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC). Recent studies have shown elevated CRP or WBC is a significant risk factor for cardiac events and stroke but the clinical significance of CRP and WBC has not been clearly studied in morbidly obese patients. This study is aimed at the clinical significance of WBC and CRP in morbidly obese patients and the change after bariatric surgery. Methods  The study was a prospectively controlled clinical study. From December 1, 2001 to January 31, 2006, of 640 (442 females and 198 males) consecutive morbid obese patients enrolled in a surgically supervised weight loss program with at least 1 year’s follow-up were examined. Results  Of the patients, 476 (74.4%) had elevated CRP and 100 (15.6%) had elevated WBC at preoperative study. CRP and WBC were significantly related and both increased with increasing body mass index (BMI). CRP is also increased with increasing waist, glucose level, hemoglobin, albumin, Ca, insulin, C-peptide, and metabolic syndrome while WBC is increased with metabolic syndrome but decreased with increasing age. Multivariate analysis confirmed fasting glucose level and hemoglobin are independent predictors of the elevation of CRP while age is the only independent predictor for elevated WBC. Both WBC and CRP levels decreased rapidly after obesity surgery. These improvements resulted in a 69.8% reduction of CRP and 26.4% reduction of WBC 1 year after surgery. Although individuals who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass lost significantly more weight (36.8 ± 11.7 kg vs. 17.3 ± 10.8 kg; p = 0.000) and achieved a lower BMI (27.8 ± 4.6 vs. 35.0 ± 5.5; p = 0.000) than individuals who underwent laparoscopic gastric banding, there was no difference in the resolution of elevated CRP 1 year after surgery (95.9% vs. 84.5%; p = 0.169) and WBC (99.4% vs. 98.3%; p = 0.323). Conclusions  Both baseline WBC and CRP are elevated in morbid obese patients but CRP has a better clinical significance. Significant weight reduction 1 year after surgery markedly reduced CRP and WBC with a resolution rate of 93.9% and 98.2% separately. Obesity surgery performed by laparoscopic surgery is recommended for obese patients with elevated CRP or WBC.     

A comparison of laparoscopic and abdominal sacral colpopexy: objective outcome and perioperative differences

The purpose of this study was to compare anatomic and perioperative outcomes following laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) and abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASC). The hypothesis is that the laparoscopic technique has similar anatomic outcomes as compared with the open technique. A retrospective comparative chart review was conducted consisting of 43 patients who underwent laparoscopic sacral colpopexy and 41 patients who underwent abdominal sacral colpopexy. Demographics were comparable between groups except mean follow-up time (LSC = 7.4 months, ASC = 10.6 months). Mean improvement at the apex was similar between the two groups. Hospital stay in hours was shorter for the LSC group (mean/median = 35.4/30.9) than the ASC group (mean/median = 63.3/54.1, p < 0.001). Mean operative time was similar (LSC = 183, ASC = 168 min, p = NS) and complication rates were comparable between the groups. Patients undergoing laparoscopic and abdominal sacral colpopexy have comparable anatomical outcomes and operative times. Laparoscopy affords a shorter hospital stay.     

Laparoscopic vs Open Colectomy for Colon Cancer: Results from a Large Nationwide Population-based Analysis

Purpose Laparoscopic colectomy has only recently become an accepted technique for the treatment of colon cancer. We sought to analyze factors that affect the type of resection performed and associated outcomes from a large nationwide database. Methods All admissions with a primary diagnosis of colon cancer undergoing elective resection were selected from the 2003 and 2004 Nationwide Inpatient Samples. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to compare outcome measures and identify independent predictors of a laparoscopic approach. Results We identified 98,923 admissions (mean age 69.2 years). They were predominately Caucasian (81%), had localized disease (63%), had private insurance (56%), and had surgery performed in urban hospitals (87%). Laparoscopic resection was performed in 3,296 cases (3.3%) and was associated with a lower complication rate (18% vs 22%), shorter length of stay (6 vs 7.6 days), decreased need for skilled aftercare (5% vs 11%), and lower mortality (0.6% vs 1.4%, all P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the total hospital charges between the groups ($34,685 vs $34,178, P = 0.19). Independent predictors of undergoing laparoscopic resection were age < 70 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2, P < 0.01), national region (Midwest OR = 1.9, West OR = 2.0, P < 0.01), and lower disease stage (OR = 2.5, P < 0.01). Ethnic category and insurance status showed no significant association with operative method (P > 0.05). Conclusions Laparoscopy for colon cancer is associated with improved outcomes in unadjusted analysis and similar charges compared to open resection. We found no influence of race or payer status on the utilization of a laparoscopic approach.     

Adhesions are Common and Costly after Open Pouch Surgery

Purpose  Open ileal pouch surgery leads to high rates of adhesive small-bowel obstruction (SBO). A laparoscopic approach may reduce these complications. We aimed to review the incidence of adhesive SBO-related complications after open pouch surgery and to model the potential financial impact of a laparoscopic approach purely as an adhesion prevention strategy. Materials and Methods  We reviewed cases of open ileal pouch patients kept on a database and examined annually. Case notes were studied for episodes of adhesive SBO requiring admission or reoperation. Similar parameters were studied in a small series undergoing laparoscopic pouch surgery. The financial burden of the open access complications was estimated and potential financial impact of a laparoscopic approach modeled. Results  Two hundred seventy-six patients were followed up after open surgery (median, 6.3; range, 0.2–20.1 years). There were 76 (28%) readmissions (median length of stay, 7.4 days) in 53 patients (19%) and 28 (10%) reoperations (43% within 1 year). Laparoscopic patients required less adhesiolysis at second-stage surgery (0% vs 36%, p < 0.0001) and had less SBO episodes within 12 months of surgery (0% vs 14%, p < 0.0001) than open patients. Modeling a laparoscopic approach cost $1,450 and saved $3,282, thus netting $1,832 per pouch constructed. Conclusion  Open ileal pouch surgery results in significant cumulative long-term access-related complications, particularly adhesions. These impose a large medical burden on patients and financial burden on health-care systems, all of which may be recouped by a laparoscopic approach, despite higher theater costs.